THE KING’S BUSINESS
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whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). “Then shall wê know, if we follow on to know the Lord” (Hosea 6:3). The Holy Spirit is given to them that obey Him (Acts 5:32). Trùth is ofttimes hidden or concealed from those who are not willing to obey; hence the parabolic form of teaching used by the Master Ccf. Matthew 13:10-15). The fourfold requirement for a knowl edge of the Scriptures is a pure heart, a* simple faith, a surrendered will, and an obedient spirit. Such prerequisites are within the reach of the simplest and most humble child of God. Resolve to conform your life 'to the teachings of the Scriptures as you learn them. The declared purpose of the Bible is to make bad men good ; good men bet ter; better men the best it is possible for them, to be. The Scriptures purport to make sinful men holy; holy men holier; and saints of all who believe. It is a Book of God for the man of God—to thoroughly furnish him unto all good works. To sur render the heart and life to its doctrines and precepts—this is to understand the Bible. The study of thé Bible in order to enforce its doctrines or to be able to defend its teachings, essential as such study seems to be, will not yield the best results. A study of the Bible for the purpose of obedience yields the greatest fruit. Do not find fault with the Bible because it shows you your faults, as the woman who smashed the mirrbr because it showed her that she had freckles. The Bible is a discoverer of faults and a revealer of virtues. Thé Bible was written for the purpose xof helping men in character building: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteous ness : That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). The Law of Truth, as every other law, demands conformity to its requirements if its secret and power are to be obtained.
edge is obedience. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of my self” (John 7:17). Human teaching says, ' “Know first, then do.” Divine teaching says, “Do first, then you will know,” The Bible is not a cabalistic Book. Its secrets are not reserved only for the intel- • lectdally initiated. The Bible is an open Book. Jesús said, “In secret have I said nothing.” He who runs may read. The dictionary is no substitute for the Bible, nor the lexicographer for thè Holy Spirit. Etymology and syntax are not to take the place of spiritual illumination. The language of the Bible is the speech of Canaan, not of Egypt or Babylon. Only the chosen ones can say “Shibboleth the rest say “Sibboleth.” Their speech betray- eth them that they are not “of this Way.” What the Persian Magi could not find out with the accumulated wisdom of the centuries the priests of God could tell them in a moment (Matthew 2:1-8). “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies : for they are ever with me. I have more under standing than all my teachers : for thy testimonies are my meditation. I under stand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts” (Psalm 119:98-100). “Days should speak,” it is true, and “mul titude of years should teach wisdom;” but do they always? By no means. “Great men are not always wise;!’ nor are gray hairs always an indication of wisdom. “But there is a spirit in man : and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding” (cf. Job 32:7-9). God oft- times “taketh the wise in their own crafti ness” (1 Corinthians 3:19). “The w
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